I am so happy with this unit I would recommend it to anyone. It is almost
the perfect MP3 player out there.

It is the Archos Jukebox Recorder 20. Rockbox works GREAT on it. Rockbox
appears to be a more mature project than open neo but give us a litle time
and we'll close that gap.

You get USB 2.0 for fast transfers plus the archos appears as a new drive to
your windows file system allowing for quick copy of ANY media. Back up those
photos, word docs, source code, etc.

Rockbox takes advantage of most EVERY hardware feature available. Line In
allows you to record your LP's directly into the Archos in MP3 format. The
built in mike, although optimized for voice does an acceptable job on voice.
Forget about music through the mic.

If you have a lot of old records sitting around, there is NO BETTER WAY to
get them into MP3 than to record them to the archos via "line in"
(selectable, 128kbt +)! Plus copying MP3's from "other sources" is a snap. I
must advise that a RECORDER IS A MUST. You'll wind up selling your playback
unit in a matter of months to get that recorder!

It runs off of 4 NI-MH rechargable batteries. I strongly recommend replacing
the stock 1500mah batteries with 2300 mah batteries and a quick charger
(radio shack) so you'll have spares. I've run my archos for over 12 hours
without a rest or recharge. It's beautiful. See owner's manual on how to do
this.

The archos is a million times better with Rockbox installed on it. Rockbox
is a MUST as most hardware makers concentrate on the hardware, not the
software. That's where high quality open source comes into play.

I am usually not so strongly oppinionated except when I find an exceptional
product, of which archos recorder is one.

A second hack you will want to do soon is upgrade the 20 GIG drive for a 40
or 60. http://www2.funmp3players.com/reviews/modify/ for instructions.
Although it is for the 6000, it worked fine on my Jukebox recorder 20, which
is now a Jukebox recorder 40. Buy an enclosure for the 20 gig drive and you
have portable storage. No waste here!

> Now that I found the Rockbox and Cypress WinXP drivers, my Archos 6000 has
a
> new life. At some point, I may give this to my brother, and get a new mp3
> player. Large capacity is important. I can't imagine needing a recorder.
> I'm wondering what you all think are the best MP3 players now. The IPod
> seems to come out on top of a lot of ratings, but it's expensive. I've
been
> out of the mp3 player loop for a long time now.
>
> Also, do most of you use the Exact Audio Copy program to extract your
mp3's?
> I find it so much better than even Audiograbber.
>
>